NEIL HAGUE

Born: 01 December 1949

Came from: Rotherham United   Went to: Bournemouth

First game: 27 November 1971   Last game: 20 April 1974

Appearances: 113 (113/0)   Goals: 17

Born in Thurcroft, near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, Hague began his career with his local club, Rotherham United. A highly versatile defender, he made 145 appearances and scored twice in four years at Millmoor, featuring in almost every position for the club. He also won England youth honours alongside future Argyle manager Peter Shilton.

He moved to Home Park in November 1971 as an Ellis Stuttard signing, with the manager describing him as "a bargain" at £13,000. The move came just 24 hours after Hague had scored the winner in a 4-3 victory for Rotherham over Argyle. He quickly established himself at the heart of the defence but also provided a threat from set-pieces, finishing his first full season as the club's second-highest goalscorer and winning the 1972-73 Player of the Season award.

Aside from an injury lay-off at the start of the 1973-74 campaign, Hague was virtually ever-present during his time at Home Park. However, despite his popularity and consistent performances, he was sold to AFC Bournemouth after less than three years with the club. He had made 113 appearances and scored 17 times in green.

He was to spent two productive seasons at Dean Court, making 89 appearances and scoring seven goals, before a single campaign with Huddersfield Town in 1976-77 (25 appearances, two goals). He then completed his Football League career with a two-year spell at Darlington between 1977 and 1979, where he played 80 times and scored four goals.

In 1980, Hague moved to the United States to join expansion side Phoenix Fire in the American Soccer League, alongside former Bournemouth team-mate Harry Redknapp. However, the club folded before the season began and he subsequently joined Columbus Magic before ending his playing career with the Los Angeles Aztecs, a club part-owned by Elton John. He later ran football camps in California before returning to Britain.

Initially settling back in Yorkshire, Hague worked as a builder before returning to Plymouth in 1984, where he established a successful property development business.

A regular guest of Forever Green, the former players' association at Home Park, Neil sadly passed away in August 2022, aged 72, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease. His funeral was held at Weston Mill Crematorium, with Harry Redknapp making the journey from Dorset to pay his respects, reflecting the high regard in which Hague was held throughout football.